Explosion proof tablet enclosure

ABSTRACT

An explosion proof enclosure includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion and second portion are configured to be releasably coupled to each other, wherein the enclosure has an assembled configuration having an internal chamber, wherein the enclosure is configured to house a tablet computer in the internal chamber, wherein, when in the assembled configuration, the enclosure is configured to prevent combustion within the internal chamber from escaping into the surrounding environment.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplications Ser. No. 61/592,053 filed Jan. 30, 2012 and entitled“Custom enclosure for iPad2 which allow the user to operate this Appletablet PC in a Class1 Div2, Class1 Zone2 area, Hazardous LocationListing for the US and Canada,” and Ser. No. 61/635,959 filed Apr. 20,2012 and entitled “Custom enclosure for iPad3 which allow the user tooperate this Apple table PC in a Class1 Div2, Zone2 and Class1 Zone2area, Hazardous Location Listing for the US and Canada.”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The use of electrical devices in hazardous areas may lead to anincreased risk of a fire or explosion triggered by the presence of theelectrical device. For instance, an electrical device may serve as anignition source in a hazardous area containing flammable fluids orvapors. For this reason, electrical devices used in hazardous areas areoften required to be certified according to the requirements specifiedin that particular jurisdiction. Further, often the types of protectionsrequired vary depending on the risks and hazards involved.

The types of hazardous environments are broken down into three classes,with each class focusing on different types of hazardous materials inthe surrounding atmosphere. For instance: Class I areas includeflammable gasses or vapors present in the air in sufficient quantitiesto produce an explosion in the presence of an ignition source; Class IIareas include the presence of combustible dusts; and Class III areasinclude ignitable fibers or other materials too heavy to be suspended inthe air in sufficient quantities to produce an ignitable mixture (e.g.,wood chips, cotton, nylon, etc.). Two common types of hazardous areasrequiring protection for electrical devices are areas that containflammable vapors and areas containing dust or other particulatessusceptible to ignition. Further, each class is divided into twodivisions based on the probability of hazardous materials being presentin an ignitable or combustible concentration in the surrounding air.Division 1 defines hazardous environments where the pertinent hazardousmaterial (e.g., vapors, dust, fibers) is present during normalconditions. Division 2 defines hazardous environments where thepertinent hazardous material is present only in abnormal or faultconditions (e.g., in the event of a container failure or other leak).

Regarding Class I hazardous environments involving flammable vapors, anelectrical device may be used in such an area via an explosion proofenclosure or assembly configured to keep an internal explosion withinthe explosion proof enclosure from escaping outward, where it wouldignite vapors outside of the enclosure. Thus, with regard toenvironments having flammable vapors, explosion proof assemblies aredesigned to both prevent the entry of flammable materials into theenclosure and also, in the event of an explosion within the enclosure,to prevent the escape of hot or burning material from escaping theenclosure. Regarding Class II hazardous environments involving ignitabledusts and particulates, an electrical device may be used in such an areavia a dust-ignition proof enclosure or assembly that is configured toprevent ignitable materials from entering the enclosure and bycontaining any arcs, sparks or heat within the enclosure that may ignitedust or other particulates in the surrounding environment. Also, thereexists assemblies and enclosures for use with an electrical device thatare referred to as “intrinsically safe,” where an intrinsically safeassembly including an electrical device is incapable of releasingsufficient electrical or thermal energy to cause ignition of a specifichazardous substance (i.e., Class I, Class II and Class III substances)under normal or abnormal conditions. Further, “nonincendive” componentsare nonsparking and incapable of releasing sufficient electrical/thermalenergy to cause ignitions to hazardous substances during normal (i.e.,Division 1) operating conditions.

While assemblies or enclosures have been developed for use in hazardousareas, these components are often expensive and not configured for usewith particular electrical devices. Also, these components may onlysatisfy the requirements for a particular class and division, and thusmay not be used in other hazardous environments or in hazardousenvironments under abnormal conditions (i.e., Division 2 conditions).Further, these components may be permanently coupled to the protectedelectrical device, restricting the use of multiple electrical deviceswith the same enclosure. Thus, there is a need in the art for anintrinsically safe or explosion proof assembly and/or enclosure capableof being safely used in varying types of conditions hazardousenvironments. Also, it would be beneficial if such an enclosure was notpermanently coupled to or formed integrally with the protectedelectrical device, allowing the use of different electrical devices withthe same enclosure.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

An explosion proof enclosure includes a first portion and a secondportion wherein the first portion and second portion are configured tobe releasably coupled to each other, wherein the enclosure has anassembled configuration having an internal chamber, wherein theenclosure is configured to house a tablet computer in the internalchamber, wherein, when in the assembled configuration, the enclosure isconfigured to prevent combustion within the internal chamber fromescaping into the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, theenclosure includes a first aperture extending through the first portionand a second aperture extending through the second portion, wherein thefirst aperture and the second aperture are configured to receive a screwfor coupling the first portion to the second portion. In certainembodiments, the enclosure includes a window defined by an outer edgethat extends through the first portion. In some embodiments, a sealingsurface is disposed about the outer edge of the window, wherein thesealing surface is configured to sealingly engage against a surface ofthe tablet computer when the enclosure is in the assembledconfiguration.

In some embodiments, the enclosure includes an aperture extendingthrough the first portion, wherein the sealing surface is disposed aboutthe aperture. In certain embodiments, the enclosure includes an adhesiveor other substance disposed on a surface of the first portion configuredto releasably and sealingly couple the first portion to the secondportion when the enclosure is in the assembled configuration. In someembodiments, the second portion of the enclosure further comprises adata interface configured to allow the communication of an externalelectrical signal to the tablet computer when the enclosure is in theassembled configuration. In some embodiments, the data interface of theenclosure includes a cable having a first terminal end and a secondterminal end, wherein a first connector is coupled to the first terminalend of the cable, wherein a second connector is coupled to the secondterminal end of the cable. In certain embodiments, the first connectorcomprises a 30-pin dock connector. In some embodiments, the secondconnector comprises a universal serial bus port. In certain embodiments,the data interface includes a dust cap that is configured to preventparticulates from contacting the second connector. In some embodiments,the dust cap includes a flange and a cap portion and the flange iscoupled to a surface of the second portion. In certain embodiments, thedust cap has a first position preventing particulates from contactingthe second connector and a second position exposing the secondconnector. In some embodiments, when the dust cap is in the secondposition, the data interface is configured to allow for the coupling ofan external connector to the second connector.

A method of forming an explosion proof assembly includes disposing atablet computer within a first portion and a second portion of anexplosion proof enclosure and assembling the first portion and secondportion of the explosion proof enclosure such that an internal chamberof the assembled enclosure is sealed from the external environment,wherein, when in the assembled configuration, the enclosure isconfigured to prevent combustion within the internal chamber fromescaping into the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, themethod includes coupling an external connector to a connector coupled tothe second portion of the enclosure. In certain embodiments, the methodincludes rotating a dust cap coupled to the second portion of theenclosure so as to expose a port disposed on the second portion. In someembodiments, the method includes actuating a touch screen of the tablecomputer when the explosion proof enclosure is in the assembledconfiguration. In certain embodiments, the method includes transmittingan electrical signal between an external device coupled to the externalconnector to the tablet computer.

An embodiment of an explosion proof enclosure includes a first portion,a second portion, wherein the first portion and the second portion areconfigured to be releasably coupled to retrieve a tablet computer, and asealing mechanism disposed between the first portion and the secondportion configured to create an explosion proof internal chamber toreceive the tablet computer.

Embodiments described herein comprise a combination of features andcharacteristics intended to address various shortcomings associated withcertain prior devices, systems, and methods. The various features andcharacteristics described above, as well as others, will be readilyapparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the following detaileddescription, and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of exemplary embodiments, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are exploded or disassembled views of an embodiment ofan explosion proof tablet assembly in accordance with principlesdisclosed herein;

FIGS. 2A is a front view of the explosion proof tablet assembly of FIG.1A in an assembled configuration;

FIG. 2B is a back view of the explosion proof table assembly of FIG. 1Ain an assembled configuration;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an enclosure of the assembly of FIG. 1Ain an assembled configuration;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are zoomed-in views of an enclosure of the explosion prooftable assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are exploded views of another embodiment of an explosionproof tablet assembly in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are zoomed-in views of an enclosure of the explosion prooftable assembly of FIGS. 6A and 6B; and

FIG. 9 is another embodiment of an explosion proof enclosure inaccordance with principles disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typicallymarked throughout the specification and drawings with the same referencenumerals. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certainfeatures of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or insomewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements maynot be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The presentdisclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specificembodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, withthe understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered anexemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and is not intendedto limit the disclosure to that illustrated and described herein. It isto be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodimentsdiscussed below may be employed separately or in any suitablecombination to produce desired results.

Unless otherwise specified, in the following discussion and in theclaims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-endedfashion, and thus should be interpreted to mean “including, but notlimited to . . . ”. Any use of any form of the terms “connect”,“engage”, “couple”, “attach”, or any other term describing aninteraction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction todirect interaction between the elements and may also include indirectinteraction between the elements described. The term “fluid” may referto a liquid or gas and is not solely related to any particular type offluid such as hydrocarbons. The terms “pipe”, “conduit”, “line” or thelike refers to any fluid transmission means. The various characteristicsmentioned above, as well as other features and characteristics describedin more detail below, will be readily apparent to those skilled in theart upon reading the following detailed description of the embodiments,and by referring to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiments described herein include an explosion proof assemblythat includes a tablet computer having a touch screen, such as the iPad®produced by Apple, Inc. Particularly, the explosion proof assemblyincludes a tablet computer disposed within a removably coupledenclosure. The enclosure allows for the use of the tablet computer inhazardous areas including flammable vapors and ignitable dust,corresponding to Class 1 and Class II areas, respectively. Also, theenclosure allows for the use of the tablet in hazardous areas duringDivision 2 conditions. Further, the assembly is configured to benonincendive such that the assembly does not allow for the release ofany sparks or electrical/thermal energy sufficient to cause ignition ofhazardous substances in the surrounding environment.

In an embodiment, a non-incentive, non-modified tablet computer (e.g.,iPad2, iPad3, etc.) with an accompanying enclosure is provided thatallows a user to operate the tablet in hazardous environments, includingClass I/Division 2, Class II/Division 2, ATEX Zone 2 and IECExclassified areas.

Referring initially to FIGS. 1A-1B, an explosion proof assembly 10 isshown in an exploded or disassembled configuration and generallyincludes a tablet computer 100 and an enclosure 200 having a first orupper portion 300 that is releasably coupled to a second or lowerportion 400. In this embodiment, tablet 100 is an iPad® produced byApple, Inc. However, in other embodiments tablet 100 may comprise othervarying types and styles of tablet computers, including but not limitedto those from other manufacturers. In this embodiment, enclosure 200 isformed from milled aluminum satisfying the NEMA 4 standard. However, inother embodiments enclosure 200 may be formed from other ruggedmaterials. Tablet 100 has a flat front face 101 defined by a front outeredge 103, which includes a touch screen 102. Tablet 100 also includes aflat rear face 105 that is defined by a rear outer edge 107. Extendingbetween front outer edge 103 and rear outer edge 107 is a chamferedsurface 109 having four chamfered corners 111. Tablet 100 also includesa first button 104 (home button) disposed on front face 101, a cameralens 106 disposed on rear face 105 and a second button 108 (on/offbutton) disposed on chamfered edge 109. An input connector 110 isdisposed on chamfered surface 109. Input connector 110 is configured toallow for data and/or electrical power transfer between tablet 100 andan external electrical device.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A-1B and 2A-2B, while FIGS. 1A-1B show assembly10 in an exploded or disassembled configuration, FIGS. 2A-2B showassembly 10 in a closed or assembled configuration where there is nowiring or other conductor exposed to the surrounding environment.Regarding enclosure 200, first portion 300 includes a flat front face301 having a central window 302 extending therethrough that is definedby an outer edge 303. Extending from face 301 is a curved outer surface305 that extends around face 301. A first aperture 304 and a secondaperture 306 are also disposed on front face 301 and extendtherethrough. Thus, first aperture 304 provides a means for actuatingfirst button 104 disposed on front face 101 of tablet 100. Also, secondaperture 306 provides a window for a front cameral 12 (FIG. 2A) oftablet 100, that may be disposed on front face 101 of tablet 100.

First portion 300 also includes a flat rear face 307 (FIG. 1B) disposedopposite of front face 301 and having a sealing surface 308 that extendsfrom face 307. Sealing surface 308 extends between an outer edge 309 andthe outer edge 303 of window 302. Surface 308 is configured to sealinglyengage the front face 101 of tablet 100 so as to prevent or at leastsubstantially restrict fluids or particles (e.g., dust, particulates,fibers, etc.) from entering or exiting enclosure 200 when assembly 10 isin its assembled configuration (FIGS. 2A-2B). Sealing surface 308 alsoincludes a first portion 308 a that extends about first aperture 304 anda second portion 308 b that extends about second aperture 306. Extendingfrom curved surface 305 is a sealing mechanism 320, which is configuredto seal against a corresponding sealing assembly 420 of second portion400 when first portion 300 and second portion 400 are coupled to eachother.

Second portion 400 includes an inner flat face 401 defined by arectangular outer edge 402. Extending from edge 402 of face 401 is aninner chamfered surface 403 extending about inner face 401 and havingfour chamfered corners 405. Portion 400 also includes a flat outer face411 defined by an outer edge 404. Extending from edge 404 is an outerchamfered surface 407 that extends about outer face 411 and has fourchamfered corners 409. Sealing mechanism 420 is disposed between innerchamfered surface 403 and outer chamfered surface 407. A ledge 408extends from chamfered outer surface 407 and includes an aperture 410,allowing access to actuate second button 108 of tablet 100. Referringbriefly to FIG. 3, enclosure 200 in the assembled configuration includesan internal chamber 440 disposed between first section 300 and secondsection 400. Sealing assemblies 320, 420, and sealing surface 308 ofportion 300 are configured to seal internal chamber 440 from theexternal environment once tablet 100 has been disposed in chamber 440,as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, sealing mechanism 320 of first portion300 includes an inner surface 321 that extends from an outer edge 322 ofcurved surface 305. Mechanism 320 also includes a tab 323 that extendsinward (relative to second portion 400) from surface 321. Tab 323includes four rounded corners 323 a and has a vertical inner surface 324and an oppositely disposed vertical outer surface 325. Correspondingly,sealing mechanism 420 of second portion 400 includes an inner surface421 that extends from an outer edge 422 of chamfered surface 407.Mechanism 420 also includes a tab 423 that extends inward (relative tofirst portion 300) from surface 421. Tab 423 includes four roundedcorners 423 a and has a vertical inner surface 424 and an oppositelydisposed vertical outer surface 425. When assembly 10 is in theassembled configuration, as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B, outer surface 325 oftab 323 is configured to sealingly engage inner surface 424 of tab 423,thus preventing or at least substantially restricting fluids orparticles (e.g., dust, particulates, fibers, etc.) from entering orexiting enclosure 200 when assembly 10 is in its assembledconfiguration. First portion 300 and second portion 400 may bereleasably coupled to each other by mechanical means, such as evenlydistributed bolts or screws extending through curved surface 305 offirst portion 300 and chamfered surface 407 of second portion 400. Anadhesive or other substance may also be disposed on either surface 321of portion 300 or on surface 421 of portion 400, thus causing portions300 and 400 to adhere to each other upon assemblage.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B, another embodiment includes anexplosion proof assembly 20 that generally includes tablet 100 and anenclosure 500 having a first portion 600 and a second portion 700.Enclosure 500 includes similar features as enclosure 200 and thusidentical features are numbered similarly. In this embodiment, enclosure500 is formed from milled aluminum satisfying the NEMA 4 standard.However, in other embodiments enclosure 500 may be formed from otherrugged materials. As with assembly 10, when assembly 20 is in theassembled configuration there is no wiring or other conductor exposed tothe surrounding environment, as will be explained further herein. Inthis embodiment, second portion 600 includes a data and/or recharginginterface 740 coupled to inner face 401 and outer face 411 of portion600.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, data interface 740 generally includes acable 742 having a first end 742 a coupled to a first connector 744 anda second terminal end 742 b coupled to a second connector 750. Firstconnector 744 is a 30-pin dock connector configured to electricallycouple with input connector 110 of tablet 100 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). Secondconnector 750 is a universal serial bus (mini-USB) connection porthaving an opening 752 disposed on surface 411, which is coupled tosecond portion 400 by two screws 751 extending into surface 401. Thus,when assembly 20 is in an assembled configuration (similar to theassembled configuration of assembly 10 shown in FIGS. 2A-2B), connector744 is coupled to input 110, establishing an electrical connectionbetween tablet 110 and USB port 750, which may be accessed by anexternal cable. A dust cap 753 is disposed on surface 411 and is coupledto surface 411 via a flange 754 and screw 755 that extends throughflange 754 and into surface 411 of portion 400. A cap portion 756 isdisposed directly over opening 752 to prevent dust, fibers and othermatter from contacting any pins or other electrical connectors withinopening 752 of port 750. In order to access opening 752 of port 750, cap753 may be rotated about screw 755, such as to expose opening 752 toallow for the insertion of a male connector (FIG. 7 shows cap 753 in thecovered position).

Referring now to FIG. 9, another embodiment includes an enclosure 250configured for use in an explosion proof assembly (e.g., assembly 10).Enclosure 250 includes similar features as enclosure 200 and thusidentical numerals are numbered similarly. Enclosure 250 includes afirst portion 350 and a second portion 450, where portions 350 and 450are configured to releasably couple to each other via a plurality ofscrews 454 Inner surface 321 of first portion 350 and chamfered surface407 of second portion 450 each include an evenly distributed pluralityof apertures 352, 452, respectively, for receiving the plurality ofscrews 454.

Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a method of forming explosion proof assembly 10generally includes placing or disposing tablet 100 within the secondportion 400 of enclosure 200 and sealing tablet 100 within enclosure 200by coupling first portion 300 with second portion 400. Once coupled,assembly 10 is in the assembled configuration such that assembly 10satisfies the requirements of Class I, Division 2 and Class II, Division2 hazardous area classifications. Also, touch screen 102 of tablet 100may be safely actuated within Class I, Division 2 and Class II, Division2 hazardous areas without violating the safety requirements of theseareas. In other words, the assembly 10 includes an explosion-proofsealing or compartment for the enclosed tablet.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-5, placing tablet 100 within second portion400 includes disposing tablet 100 such that the flat rear face 105 oftablet 100 is aligned with and/or engages the inner flat face 401 ofsecond portion 401 of second portion 400. Also, chamfered surface 109and corners 111 of tablet 100 are aligned with and/or engage chamferedsurface 403 and corners 405 of portion 400. Coupling first portion 300with second portion 400 of enclosure 200 includes aligning and engagingthe sealing mechanism 320 of portion 300 with the sealing mechanism 420of second portion 400, such that inner surface 321 engages inner surface421 and outer surface 325 of tab 323 engages surface 424 of tab 423. Inthe embodiment shown in FIG. 9, coupling the first portion 300 to thesecond portion 400 further includes extending the plurality of screws454 through the plurality of apertures 352 and 452. However, in otherembodiments coupling portions 300 and 400 may include disposing anadhesive on one or more of the surfaces of either sealing mechanism 320,420, respectively. In this embodiment, engagement between mechanisms 320and 420 of enclosure 200 creates a seal satisfying the IP67 standard.However, in other embodiments the seal may satisfy other standards suchas IP68 or IP65, etc. In some embodiments, an explosion-proof sealing orcompartment is provided thereby.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-8, a method of forming explosion proofassembly 20 generally includes placing or disposing tablet 100 withinthe second portion 700 of enclosure 500 and sealing tablet withinenclosure 500 by coupling first portion 600 with second portion 700. Aswith assembly 10, once coupled assembly 20 is in the assembledconfiguration and thus satisfies the requirements of Class I, Division 2and Class II, Division 2 hazardous area classifications. Also, touchscreen 102 of tablet 100 may be safely actuated within Class I, Division2 and Class II, Division 2 hazardous areas without violating the safetyrequirements of these areas. Tablet 100 is disposed within portion 700in a similar fashion to how tablet 100 is disposed within portion 400.However, in the embodiment of assembly 20, disposing tablet 100 withinportion 700 further includes coupling connector 110 of tablet 100 withinterface 740 of portion 700. Specifically, coupling connector 110 withinterface 740 includes coupling connector 110 with first connector 744of interface 740. Once coupled, an electrical signal may be communicatedbetween tablet 100 and port 750.

As with enclosure 200 of assembly 10, portions 600 and 700 of assembly20 are coupled in a similar fashion as portions 300 and 400 are coupledto form assembly 10 (e.g., sealing mechanisms 320, 420, respectively, ofportions 600 and 700 are engaged with each other). Portions 600 and 700may also be coupled via a plurality of screws (e.g., screws 454) thatextend through apertures (e.g., apertures 352, 452) disposed in portions600 and 700. In this embodiment, engagement between mechanisms 320 and420 of enclosure 500 creates a seal satisfying the IP65 standard.However, in other embodiments the seal may satisfy other standards suchas IP68 or IP65, etc.

Once assembly 20 is in the assembled configuration an electrical signalmay be communicated between an external electrical device and tablet100. A method for communicating a signal between an external device andtablet 100 includes rotating cap portion 756 of dust cap 753 about screw755 such that opening 752 is exposed. Once opening 752 is exposed, aconnector of the external device or conduit is coupled to port 750 ofinterface 740 such that an electrical signal may be communicated betweentablet 100 and the external device or conduit. In this manner, tablet100 may be safely recharged within enclosure 500 while assembly 20 is ina hazardous area (e.g., Class I, Division 2 and Class II, Division 2areas).

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles andvarious embodiments of the present disclosure. While certain embodimentshave been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by oneskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings ofthe disclosure. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, andare not limiting. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited bythe description set out above, but is only limited by the claims whichfollow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter ofthe claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An explosion proof enclosure comprising: a firstportion; and a second portion, wherein the first portion and the secondportion are configured to be releasably coupled to each other; whereinthe enclosure has an assembled configuration having an internal chamber;wherein the enclosure is configured to house a tablet computer in theinternal chamber; wherein, when in the assembled configuration, theenclosure is configured to prevent combustion within the internalchamber from escaping into the surrounding environment.
 2. The enclosureof claim 1, further comprising: a first aperture extending through thefirst portion; and a second aperture extending through the secondportion; wherein the first aperture and the second aperture areconfigured to receive a screw for coupling the first portion to thesecond portion.
 3. The enclosure of claim 1, further comprising a windowdefined by an outer edge that extends through the first portion.
 4. Theenclosure of claim 3, wherein: a sealing surface is disposed about theouter edge of the window; wherein the sealing surface is configured tosealingly engage against a surface of the tablet computer when theenclosure is in the assembled configuration.
 5. The enclosure of claim4, further comprising: an aperture extending through the first portion;wherein the sealing surface is disposed about the aperture.
 6. Theenclosure of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive disposed on asurface of the first portion configured to releasably couple the firstportion to the second portion when the enclosure is in the assembledconfiguration.
 7. The enclosure of claim 1, wherein the second portionof the enclosure further comprises a data interface configured to allowthe communication of an external electrical signal to the tabletcomputer when the enclosure is in the assembled configuration.
 8. Theenclosure of claim 7, wherein the data interface comprises: a cablehaving a first terminal end and a second terminal end; wherein a firstconnector is coupled to the first terminal end of the cable; wherein asecond connector is coupled to the second terminal end of the cable. 9.The enclosure of claim 8, wherein the first connector comprises a 30-pindock connector.
 10. The enclosure of claim 8, wherein the secondconnector comprises a universal serial bus port.
 11. The enclosure ofclaim 8, wherein the data interface includes a dust cap that isconfigured to prevent particulates from contacting the second connector.12. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein: the dust cap comprises a flangeand a cap portion; and the flange is coupled to a surface of the secondportion.
 13. The enclosure of claim 11, wherein the dust cap has a firstposition preventing particulates from contacting the second connectorand a second position exposing the second connector.
 14. The enclosureof 13, wherein, when the dust cap is in the second position, the datainterface is configured to allow for the coupling of an externalconnector to the second connector.
 15. A method of forming an explosionproof assembly comprising: disposing a tablet computer within a firstportion and a second portion of an explosion proof enclosure; andassembling the first portion and second portion of the explosion proofenclosure such that an internal chamber of the assembled enclosure issealed from the external environment; wherein, when in the assembledconfiguration, the enclosure is configured to prevent combustion withinthe internal chamber from escaping into the surrounding environment. 16.The method of claim 15, further comprising coupling an externalconnector to a connector coupled to the second portion of the enclosure.17. The method of claim 15, further comprising rotating a dust capcoupled to the second portion of the enclosure so as to expose a portdisposed on the second portion.
 18. The method of claim 15, furthercomprising actuating a touch screen of the table computer when theexplosion proof enclosure is in the assembled configuration.
 19. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising transmitting an electrical signalbetween an external device coupled to the external connector to thetablet computer.
 20. An explosion proof enclosure comprising: a firstportion; a second portion, wherein the first portion and the secondportion are configured to be releasably coupled to retrieve a tabletcomputer; and a sealing mechanism disposed between the first portion andthe second portion configured to create an explosion proof internalchamber to receive the tablet computer.